TESTING THE SEXUALLY ABUSED CHILD FOR HIV: REDUCING UNCERTAINTY IN CLINICAL DECISION-MAKING

• NCJ Number: 146989
• Journal: Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 2 Issue: 4 Dated: (1993) Pages: 83-93
• Author(s): G A Gellert; C D Berkowitz; M J Durfee
• Date Published: 1993
• Length: 11 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Technical Assistance)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

This paper reviews the existing data regarding the risk of HIV transmission for child sexual abuse victims and suggests strategies for use by physicians and other health and social service professionals regarding HIV antibody testing of these children.

Abstract

Although HIV infection in sexually abused children is infrequent, sexual abuse must be considered a potential mode of HIV transmission in children. Child sexual abuse will eventually be considered the leading mode of HIV infection in children ages 8 and older presenting with HIV or AIDS. In younger children, sexual abuse should closely follow perinatal transmission as the possible cause of HIV infection. Children who have been abused should be selectively evaluated for HIV infection, particularly if the perpetrator is known to be HIV seropositive or engages in high-risk behavior for HIV, the abuse occurred in a geographic area of high HIV disease prevalence, and if the child has symptoms of HIV infection or another sexually transmitted disease.